The main work of adolescents in our culture is to become psychologically emancipated from the parents. The teenager must cast aside the dependent relationship of childhood and gain control of his life. This process is characterized by a certain amount of normal defiance and rudeness. Emotions run high and mood swings are common. The following […]
Medical
Many fat teenagers have high blood pressure and high cholesterol, in addition to emotional problems. Being a fat adolescent can have a devastating effect on self-esteem and self-confidence. If your teenager is on her way towards being fat, or is already fat, she needs help. She doesn’t need your criticism or ridicule, but rather your
Heart attacks are rare among teenagers, but it may surprise you to know that for some adolescents the stage is already set for future trouble. Many of our teenagers already have the beginnings of hardening of their arteries. The problem is their diets – much too high in saturated fats and cholesterol. Hamburgers, french fries,
You shouldn’t try to force your teenager to exercise, even if he is already overweight and sedentary, but you should encourage him every chance you get. Set the proper example yourself and let it go at that. The best exercises for a teenager in terms of achieving true physical fitness are aerobic or endurance exercises.
Many teen girls worry about and sometimes suffer from vaginal infections. How can you reassure your daughter and help her to maintain good health and hygiene? • Reassure her that a clear to whitish, non-irritating vaginal discharge is normal. A discharge is abnormal only if it causes irritation, itching, is mixed with blood, has a
Does your teen seem unusually tired lately? Does he have a lower than usual level of energy? Some parents immediately think that a teen sleeping much of the weekend, or lying around, is simply lazy or bored. This may be true in your teen’s case, but it’s also important to look beyond your first impression
Many people thing of infectious mononucleosis as the “kissing disease” but this is something of a misnomer. This disease, caused by a virus, is most likely to strike young people who are already fatigued and exhausted. That may explain why it is so common among high school and college students around exam time. Symptoms vary,
Traditionally, the dangers of early sex have been regarded as emotional and social. Certainly becoming involved in a sexual relationship and then losing that relationship can cause intense pain to a young, inexperienced adolescent. Getting pregnant at a young age and deciding to keep the baby can seriously threaten a young woman’s health, and limit
Good communication with a doctor is vital to a person’s health and can be a challenge in the self-conscious teen years. But you can help your teen in several ways: 1. Urge him/her to be honest with the doctor. Doctors have heard just about everything and aren’t likely to be shocked. Honest answers can be
Teens need to get the message that safe sex needs to be practiced by sexually active people of all ages. Even if your teen is not yet sexually active, and you’d prefer him or her to remain that way, talking about the risks of venereal diseases and prevention tactics can help him or her to
